Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, It’s so good to be home! There’s nothing quite like being back in the district—boots on the ground, catching up with familiar faces, and meeting new ones along the way. Every visit reminds me why I’m so proud to represent this corner of the state. Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with a great group of constituents in Red Lake Falls, we had a wide-ranging conversation—honest, respectful, and surprisingly refreshing! It’s not every day you walk into a room full of different perspectives and walk out feeling more connected, but that’s exactly what happened. That kind of dialogue is what makes public service so fulfilling. Then over the weekend, I headed to Twin Valley for their annual Town & Country Days—and let me tell you, they sure know how to throw a great celebration. Great food, friendly folks, and plenty of small-town pride made for an unforgettable day. A big thank you to everyone who came out and shared your thoughts and stories. I say it often, but it’s worth repeating: your voice truly matters, and I’m listening.    Fargo-Moorhead Legislative Wrap-Up: Collaboration, Common Sense, and Regional Priorities Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of joining local leaders at the Fargo Moorhead Chamber of Commerce for an impactful legislative wrap-up. We traded the usual Pulse format for something a little more engaging—a straight-shooter conversation about the wins, challenges, and priorities coming out of the 2025 session. I appreciated the opportunity to represent the five Clay County townships within my district—including Ulen and Felton—and highlight the importance of collaboration across city, county, and state lines. Moorhead faces unique challenges and opportunities as a border city, especially in its partnership with sister cities Fargo and Grand Forks. From a policy standpoint, it’s essential that we continue to work together to ensure that cross-border dynamics are reflected and respected. One key topic that came up was flood control. Moorhead and Fargo are working to complete their joint flood-protection project, which must be certified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In order to reach the finish line, the state of Minnesota needs to contribute its share of the remaining costs. Having seen the positive impact of flood protection in East Grand Forks and Grand Forks—from peace of mind and insurance savings to a boost in long-term investment—I’m committed to helping Moorhead and Fargo get this done. Big thanks to the Chamber and Cale Dunwoody for moderating a great discussion—and to everyone who came ready to ask thoughtful questions and stay engaged. It’s always a privilege to serve and speak up for the people of District 1B.  New Laws Hit the Road August 1!Minnesota’s newest batch of laws goes into effect August 1, and while some of them might not make front-page news, they still make a difference—especially if you're in agriculture, timber, or trash hauling! One of the more notable changes? Implements of husbandry (think tractors, harvesters, and other farming rigs) and vehicles carrying uncovered trash or debris can now cruise a little faster. The statutory speed limit has been bumped up from 30 mph to 35 mph. That may not sound like much, but for folks hauling hay—or hauling garbage—it’s a five-mph win! This new law also means those same Ag vehicles being towed without taillights or plate lights, and vehicles that display a slow-moving vehicle emblem, can enjoy the same speed increase. Shout-out to Rep. Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) and Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart (DFL-Wayzata) for authoring this bipartisan update to Minnesota road rules. If you’re curious about what else is changing, you can read the full list of new laws here: New Laws Effective August 1, 2025 Big Wins for Career Growth in Our District!Exciting news out of St. Paul—Fair Meadow Nursing Home and the University of Minnesota-Crookston have just landed over $244,000 in workforce development funding through Round 14 of the Dual Training Grant Program! Fair Meadow received $79,200 and UMC was awarded $165,000, which will provide 37 employees with valuable on-the-job training and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials in health care, agriculture, and child care. That’s what we call investing in people—and it’s happening right here at home!   This is all part of a larger, statewide effort to create earn-and-learn pathways and help employers meet their workforce needs, and I’m proud to support programs that help Minnesotans move forward in their careers while staying rooted in their communities. Got a great idea for a local project or know of an opportunity that could use a little extra backing? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Your voice has real power, and your input helps bring wins like this across the finish line. Let's keep working together to make big things happen for our district! Stay Connected This Summer!As we continue moving through the summer months, I’m looking forward to more time spent in the district, connecting with folks and hearing what’s on your mind. If you see me out and about—whether at a community event or grabbing a cup of coffee—don’t be shy! And if you ever have a question, concern, or just want to share an idea, my door is always open. Let’s keep the conversations going and the progress rolling! Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |